Defensive Driving: 7 Rules You Must Not Neglect

Defensive driving is simply driving in such a way as to prevent accidents in spite of the actions of others, or the presence of adverse road conditions. It all involves having to drive in a way to save lives, time and money.

To be able to drive defensively, you need to be familiar with some rules and also be willing to obey these rules.

1.Be safety conscious: You have to think of your safety and that of others

a.Avoid the tendency to over speed, because it puts everyone’s life in danger, including yours.

b.Put on your seat belt always: This reduces the danger of hitting your chest on the steering wheel should there be an accident.

c.Make sure your doors are locked, to avoid being forcefully thrown out of the car incase of an accident.

d.Maintain a safe distance between you and the car in front of you, there should be at least 2-3 seconds gap between the two of you.

2.See the hazard ahead: You should not assume everything is going to be alright. Think about what is likely to happen the next second.

a.Reduce your speed in residential areas: It should be between 30-40km/hr or slower.

b.Watch out for drivers that may wander into your lane and avoid them.

c.Use your mirror to see if any driver behind you is driving in an unsafe or aggressive manner. Pull out of the road to avoid such driver.

d.Watch very well before crossing the traffic light, even though you have been by the green light, because some drivers may disobey or refuse to stop at the junction even when the red light is on.

3.Understand the defense: Specific situation require specific ways to take care of them. Be aware of the unusual conditions that you may come across, and think of how to overcome them when there is need.

a.Reduce your speed if it starts to rain, because it takes twice the normal stopping distance to stop with safety on a wet road.

b.Your safe distance to follow the vehicle in front of you should then be twice the normal rule of 2 or 3 seconds; increase it to 4 or 6 seconds.
c.To avoid broadside skid, take your foot off the accelerator and turn into the skid.

d.If your foot brake fails while descending a hill, change to a lower gear and if necessary, apply your hand brake to stop your car from gaining speed.

e.When you approach a slippery surface, sharp bend, cross roads, or any other hazard, you should check your rear view mirror and give the slowing down signal. Reduce your speed, change to a lower gear, sound the horn if necessary or stop, until it is safe to proceed.

4.Avoid distractions: You should remain focused, and don’t allow anything to distract your attention. Your safety and safety of others should be the only thing that should occupy your mind.

a.Don’t argue or talk with passengers while you are on the steering.

b.Don’t make or take calls while you drive, it could distract you.

c.Don’t let the music in your car to be too noisy; excessive noise makes you lose concentration.

d.Don’t focus your attention on people by the side of the road, or on other side attractions.

e.Remai focused on the road, vehicles ahead, and watch out for anyone who may want to cross the road.

f.Don’t eat or drink while you are on the steering; park your car and eat, or eat at the end of your journey.
g. Don’t quarrel with anybody while you drive; this could make you angry and lose concentration.

5.Maintain clarity of mind

a.Don’t drink alcohol if you must drive; its reduces your sense of judgment.

b.Don’t drive under the influence of any substance.

c.Don’t use some prescribed or over-the-counter drugs because they make you drowsy or reduce your reaction time.

d.Don’t drive after receiving a very bad news .e.g. the news of the death of a close friend or spouse.

6.Understand static hazards: Static hazards are conditions of the road or traffic that are always there e.g. round about, junction, bend, dead ground, hill, bridge etc.

a.Give way to the vehicle on your left when you get to a round about.

b.On getting to a road junction, slow down, stop and allow the vehicle on the straight road to pass first, if you are on the road that intercepts the minor one.

c.Never overtake on a bend, because you may not see any oncoming vehicle

d.Never overtake on a hill, bridge or major road junctions.

7.Back safely: You should not endanger the lives of others while trying to back, because backing could be difficult sometimes.

a.You may get out of the car and inspect the area you want to back into.

b.You may also have someone outside, that should guide you into position
c.Sound the horn several times if your vehicle does not have reverse alarm

d.Check side mirrors, and back slowly: keep checking your mirror as you back.